Hemp for Victory in the 21st Century!

This past week, hemp advocates and aficionados nationwide engaged in educational and awareness building exercises during their annual â€œHemp History Weekâ€. The aim was to enlighten the publicâ€™s perception of hemp by demonstrating its versatility in several facets of everyday life and drawing attention to its pivotal role in American agriculture up until the mid-20th century. Before hemp can be understood in its contemporary context, a stroll down memory lane may refresh the reader on this critical crop.

While the history of hemp and humans goes all the way back to the Neolithic Revolution ~10-12,000 years ago, for brevityâ€™s sake, the focus of this reminiscence will remain on hempâ€™s history in the New World. Hemp helped propel European explorers to Americaâ€™s shores by providing tough and durable sails and rope for riggings on long, trans-Atlantic voyages. The climate proved suitable, and in 1564, King Philip II of Spain proclaimed that hemp be cultivated in his New World possessions, ranging from the tip of Tierra del Fuego to the Willamette Valley.

Hemp was instrumental in securing the continuity of the English colonies. With the memory of numerous colonial failures fresh in mind, particularly the â€œLost Colonyâ€ of Roanoke Island, colonists in Virginia became the first to make the planting of hemp mandatory in 1619; not only could hemp fibers be used to sew cloth but the seeds could be consumed for a much needed source of protein, carbohydrates, essential fatty acids, and minerals including calcium and iron. As Virginia flourished, other colonies took notice and began implementing their own hemp mandates, and, collectively, the colonies continued to thrive with hemp providing a safety net to fall upon during inclement seasons.

A TRADITION FROM THE FOUNDERS

The Founding Fathers of the United States of America saw good promise in hemp and some even farmed it themselves. Thomas Jefferson and George Washington both grew hemp, and Benjamin Franklin owned one of Americaâ€™s first paper mills that produced durable and long-lasting hemp paper that was to play a crucial role in the founding of a new nation. Jefferson penned the Declaration of Independence on hemp paper, and other Founding documents written on hemp include Thomas Paineâ€™s â€œCommon Senseâ€, the Articles of Confederation, the Federalist (and Anti-Federalist) Papers, and the United States Constitution.

Hempâ€™s prominence waned in the 19th century. The invention of steam turbines and diesel engines along with the widespread favor for Manila rope fiber eliminated hemp from the high seas. Advances in agricultural technologies, techniques, and crop variants practically eliminated concerns of climate-driven crop failures or Malthusian catastrophes. As average incomes increased and Americaâ€™s middle class grew, so too rose the demand for clothing of finer quality fiber. By the 20th century, hempâ€™s use in everyday life was in steady decline and preserved only by the most steadfast of farmers who continued to see it as insurance during hard times.

TAXATION AS CONTROL

Hemp in America met its demise in the â€œzero tolerance, one-size-fits-allâ€ Marihuana Tax Act of 1937. This act was a blanket ban on the cannabis plant, presumably because its psychotropic attribute, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), was becoming responsible for a tremendous wave of violence sweeping across the country. Hemp was lumped into this Act because it contains trace amounts of THC. However, if one were not to become entangled by yellow journalism and instead ask â€œCui bono?â€, one need look no further than media mogul William Randolph Hearst and the DuPont Company. Hearst, like any good crony capitalist of Americaâ€™s Gilded Age, profited from the governmentâ€™s ban on cannabis because of his considerable interests in the timber industry that fueled his paper mills and printing presses. The hemp ban also helped DuPont, which had patented nylon two years prior as a replacement for Asian silk and hemp products. The biggest beneficiary of all, however, was the US government, as it enjoyed expanded powers of regulation and taxation that would eventually lead to the infamous â€œWar on Drugsâ€.

Hemp enjoyed a brief comeback during World War II. Strict war rationing diverted many essential materials to the war effort; shortages became the natural result of this central planning. Hemp was officially enlisted by the US government in 1942 following the release of Hemp for Victory, in which farmers were educated on hempâ€™s multitudinous uses and encouraged to grow it en masse. Despite its service during a time of national need, hemp, like so many American veterans, was cast aside, and again found itself under ban in 1955. The likely beneficiary this time was the burgeoning petrochemical industry, led by none other than DuPont.

Hemp, a crop that has, without question, benefited the US and seen it through thick and thin, has not graced Americaâ€™s fertile soils for over half a century. In that time, America ceded its dominance in hemp cultivation to the Soviet Union, which produced the most hemp from 1950-1980. It was not until the 1990â€™s that some industrialized countries began to loosen restrictions and allow the cultivation of hemp again, including Australia, Germany, France, Italy, Great Britain, and Canada. Today, America stands as the only industrialized country that does not allow the cultivation of hemp; by contrast, North Korea, arguably one of the most sheltered, underdeveloped, and authoritarian regimes on the planet, allows the cultivation of hemp.

Hemp has also suffered from neglect in the cannabis re-legalization movement. Despite it being, by far, the easiest sell to the American public due to its non-intoxicity, it has fallen to the wayside in favor of medical cannabis and decriminalization measures. Since hempâ€™s inclusion in the definition of â€œmarijuanaâ€ in the Controlled Substances Act of 1970, thirteen states have decriminalized simple cannabis possession and fifteen have allowed medical cannabis for seriously/terminally ill patients; only five states (North Dakota, Montana, West Virginia, Vermont, and Oregon) have removed laws banning hemp cultivation provided a license is granted to the farmer by the Federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The number of licenses issued by the DEA as of this writing: zero.

A BRIGHTER FUTURE

What is hempâ€™s hope for a brighter future in the sun? Legislation currently introduced in Congress (House Resolution 1831: Industrial Hemp Farming Act of 2011) by Representative Ron Paul of Texas awaits action in the 112th Congress. The States, on the other hand, can reclaim their sovereign right to an intrastate hemp economy any time they like.

Hempâ€™s salvation, barring Federal clemency, is in the 10th Amendment to the US Constitution. Model legislation in the form of the Hemp Freedom Act has been prepared by the Tenth Amendment Center for brave, principled legislators to interpose on behalf of their farmers who would like to grow hemp for industrial and commercial uses. In some states, concerned citizens could also place the Hemp Freedom Act on ballots via the initiative process should they fail to find support in their legislature.

America is currently in one of the worst economic and political crises it has ever faced, but what punctuates it more than those it has weathered in the past is that there is no contingency. In previous seasons of uncertainty and inclemency, America could always fall back on a sturdy, durable, reliable hemp safety net; this net has not existed for fifty-five years. Today, more than ever, there exists a need to drastically rethink hemp and the opportunities and security it can provide for struggling Americans. In so many ways, America must go back and observe the wisdom of the Founding Fathers and what they did to set a fledgling nation onto the path of prosperity. The most prescient advice George Washington gave (besides avoiding the pitfalls of political parties. Oops!) was, â€œMake use of the Indian hemp seed, and sow it everywhere!â€ This is advice America has taken to the bank before, and can take to the bank again. Hemp for Victory in the 21st century!

Patrick Reagan is an anarcho-capitalist who occasionally moonlights as a libertarian.

18 thoughts on “Hemp for Victory in the 21st Century!”

I agree with the ends, but not the reasoning. This "legalize hemp movement" is not because Americans are clamoring and beating down doors to get their hands on a strong rope. I think we all know what drives the movement, and that is people who want to smoke pot do not want to have to agree to refrain or to choose to do so under the threat of prosecution.

The same, I think, is true as regards this whole "medicinal" marijuana movement. It might have some nice effects on a sick person, for sure, but if sickness is what it will take to get at it legally, then, we are going to have a lot of sick people in America. Just look at all the sickness in California. Before medicinal marijuana was allowed there, we never knew just how many people were actually perpetually sick.

I'll take what I can get, but I really wish we could debate this issue honestly and be taken seriously. It's not about rope, upset stomachs and sprained ankles. It's about a smooth buzz that alcohol simply cannot deliver.

On hemp, Jeff, I’m not so sure I agree. The hemp plant itself, has no THC. Well, so low that you do not get a buzz. So are people pushing for hemp as a way to get the other plant – with the THC – accepted? Maybe some. For me, I think farmers need to be able to farm.

In that case, I've been under a big misunderstanding of the purpose of the movement. I thought it was aimed at legalizing marijuana, referring to it as hemp.

I'd sure be disappointed if all we get from it is a sturdy rope and some industrial fabric. I am all for letting farmers grow stuff to make rope, but really, I don't see anything to get excited about over "hemp" in terms of organizing or promoting a movement. What a buzz-killer……

Seriously, back years ago, let's just say I was well-acquainted with the difference between "hemp" and alcohol – the former being much, much better. But then, I grew up and decided there was too much to lose, so I had to reduce my experience to memories of long ago.

I always thought it was ridiculous to outlaw MJ while permitting virtually unfettered consumption of alcohol. The latter is far more harsh and debilitating.

Let's just say that if I lived in California, I'd seek medical help for whatever BS I had to gen-up to get me a puff…..

So, unabashedly, I have to say, as above, that for those who favor legalizing MJ, it would be nice to just come out and say it and stop beating around the bush, hiding behind "hemp" and "sickness." For all the others, hang in there…. you might just get that rope you always dreamed of.

There are actually two separate movements happening. There are those who want marijuana decriminalized – for either medical or personal use, or both. Then there are those in support of hemp. There tends to be a lot of cross over there, but not fully.

Hemp is used not just for rope, but for paper, as a food product (I eat hemp bread and granola, for example), as a dietary supplement – it also replaces cotton, oil, and many other big industries that would likely want to see their competition banned.

There are over 25,000 know uses for industrial hemp! And not a single one is smoking or eating to get high!!! I import this stuff from all over the world. I would like to support American farmers and American industry rather than sending my money to Canada or over sees. We make wood sealers, Hempcrete (build houses), fiber boards, composites, textiles….. So NO, this is not some secret agenda to smoke pot!!! Hemp is NOT POT!!!Wanna be even more disturbed? Check out the plight of Alex White Plume in South Dakota. His tribe on Their Soven land had the DEA destroy their crops three years in a row!!! Long story and very disturbing. Check out “Standing Silent Nation”!!!

Hemp is NOT POT!!! Not to be a jerk but sounds like some of you need to read a book or 2. There are so many more uses for industrial hemp then just rope and fabric! In fact, we build houses with the stuff. Hemp and lime (hempcrete) has been around for a LONG time. And has stood the test of time. No we are trying hard to show ALL the benefits of building with hemp as it is TRULY GREEN AND TRULY SUSTAINABLE! Hemp is used for insulation, MDF boards, Wood sealers (Hemp Shield), and many other building supplies. Yet more people LEGALLY GROW POT (not federally of course) then industrial hemp! Thats BS!!! But, instead of smoking a joint on april 20th mid afternoon on a state capital ground. We are building an industry that shows that we can do everything that the government keeps talking about IE: Build new industry, go green and sustainable, and make us less dependent on foreign oil (bio diesel). All we need is the government to get out of our way!!! I would much rather pay American farmers money then the millions we spend to import!!!

Within reason. I think it unnecessary that the feds mingle in business that much, but certainly, at some level (the state or local level), government will have to do some mingling.

The fact, by itself, that the "market" will ultimately reject dangerous products once the danger is known, is of no great comfort to the ones who lose in the process. Take the Ford Pinto gas tank issue. It is nice to have some mandated, minimal safety standards, so that I don't have as great a risk winding up as some company's or fat-cat's cost of doing business. Lawsuits and money damages are not a good substitute for life and health.

The problem with mandating standards such as these is that they do, in fact, become barriers to entry by would-be competitors. The other problem is that lobbying enables the corruption of this process – no doubt, IMO, on the hemp issue, for example.

Still, it is a necessary evil, and we're just going to have to do our best to make it work as effectively for all of us as we can.

At least as regards the Tenther movement, folks in one state can live with the risks of people putting dangerous crap out in the markets to make a quick buck at the expense of others' health and safety, while folks in other states can demand a little more of the production process, knowing full well their costs are going to go up.

I guess I fit in the latter category. I am happy to pay a dime more for a can of peas to know it has likely passed an inspection process and is not tainted with botulism of something.

The feds mingle in industrial hemp knowing that the rest of the civilized world acknowledges that anything less than .3% is hemp and CANNOT have the effect of marijuana. Follow the money folks. Prohibition is the very worst way to regulate an industry! Yet the feds make Billions, thats right billions off of marijuana prohibition. Whatever your thoughts are on marijuana really is not important to the Industrial hemp issue. Hemp is NOT POT!!! The rest of the world knows this, the U.N knows this(Feds like to blame the U.N for the hemp prohibition). Yet we cant even use facts to debate with the feds about hemp because they will not argue with facts! FEAR is the tactic they like to persuade the ignorant with!

Just ask yourself this. Was corn or wheat illegal to grow when alcohol was illegal? Big difference here though. You cant make pot out of hemp!!! Also know this (the DEA does) the feds MUST allow as much domestic production of Industrial hemp as there is demand for industrial hemp!!! Thats why the Feds dont deny farmers licenses to grow, THE JUST NEVER RESPOND!!! That is purposeful trust me.

But. Not my fight anymore. I am building an industry so that we can demand farmers to grow because of solid numbers of consumption . Not speculation of what could happen.

May 20, 2011 at 7:56 am

Jeff Matthews

Well, count me dumb. I read your post and so did a Wiki. I never knew before this that there were two different plants. I thought the difference was in leaves vs. stems. Now that I know there is a different plant used for industrial hemp, it highlights just how much fantasy these folks put in a taboo. How absurd. And this is the system I was raised in, so no wonder I've been brainwashed all these years. I just accepted a false understanding that it involved the same plant because "why else would they prohibit it?"

I wont count you dumb!!! Dumb is learning the truth and sticking with previous beliefs. You my friend were just misinformed. Big ups for caring enough to learn the truth! Now help spread the word. HEMP IS NOT POT!!! Enough people learn this and we will be able to "Make the government get out of our way"!!! We have a huge sustainable, green, get us off dependance on foreign oil industry to build!!! Why cant farmers grow hemp for me here so I dont have to import it? You tell me.

May 20, 2011 at 2:50 pm

MichaelBoldin

My hunch – corporatism.

If the hemp plant, which does not get anyone under the influence, could be grown cheaply and easily AND compete with major industries like cotton, paper and oil – it seems to me likely that industries who benefit from prohibition want it to stay that way. And politicians who benefit from those big businesses like it too.

Otherwise, banning hemp is beyond absurd. I point out to people from the left all the time that hemp is the #1 natural consumer of CO2 as well….so if someone were to accept the standard view on global warming, the real response is that reduction in CO2 is being prevented by government.

Sorry to disagree. But corporate influence is very likely the reason for the start of prohibition. But, the DEA and their war on drugs is by far the largest reason for its prohibition now. By their own numbers, Over 90% of marijuana that is eradicated by the feds and local police agencies is ferrel hemp! The "war on drugs" is plain and simple bullshit that allows us to police the world! We can import all aspects of the hemp plant except the leaves. If corporations were behind this travesty, they could make that not allowed.

Hempcrete is a carbon negative building material! How many other products can claim and back that up? We are building houses and commercial buildings NOW!!! With prices comparable to conventional building. Imagine how cost effective it could be if each town could "grow their own houses"! Its coming folks!!!

May 20, 2011 at 3:37 pm

MichaelBoldin

No doubt that the DEA is a nasty group – and is doing all the enforcement. I was referring to the behind the scenes political garbage – the politicians, the lobbyists, etc – none of which want to change their own status quo.

When I buy hemp granola at whole foods, I think how low the price would be if the hemp did not need to be imported from China or Canada.

By the way, Ken – have you seen our model legislation – the Hemp Freedom Act? We believe THIS is the method to push forward. To get states to stand up and just start doing it. We just need some dedicated people to press legislators to introduce it..

What you need is farmers who have applied for licensing through the DEA and have been ignored to start growing. Then when the DEA comes in you bring them into court you show that their ignoring the applications is purposeful because they KNOW they cannot deny these license applications! The DEA MUST allow as much domestic production of industrial hemp as there is domestic consumption. Lets just say it has to do with the security of America.

And NO, I dont have any vacations planned. So if there is no response from me soon….

I think the first approved hemp house built was in Asheville, NC. The builders had to import the hemp. The insulation properties are amazing and it is a renewable/sustainable resource. Guess they had to figure a profitable way to clear all those trees for humanity.